Leadership Matters February 2014

Poverty in the public education classroom

(Continued from page 9)

principle-centered, student success will be your reward. Although you cannot worry about politics, you must understand politics so it will not drive major decisions that impact student learning. Also, and equally important, your desire for a contract extension or salary increase should never drive decisions. Stay focused on the children. A district’s human resources are a critical part of the equation. You can have the necessary financial resources, systems, programs, policies, practices and processes in place; however, if your employees do not excel based on a deep data analysis, you must conclude that they do not have either the will or

existing conditions. It is more productive to improve failing schools than to analyze who is at fault. Remember, education may be the only safety net for the less fortunate. Making the changes necessary for all students to succeed can be uncomfortable, and it can result in complaints of “low morale,” “watering down the curriculum” or “teaching to the test.” I’ve heard them all, but I have never questioned the wisdom of changing people, policies, practices, or programs when it is in the best interests of students. From the beginning of my career as a teacher to my most recent assignment as Superintendent of East St. Louis School District 189, I have been committed to successfully educating all children. I know that children in poverty will succeed under the right conditions because I have been privileged to see it happen.

capacity to be successful. Therefore, you must have the courage to remove them from the organization. Of course, you will first provide the support necessary to improve. Ultimately, all students deserve to be served by employees with great capacity. Successfully educating all children is difficult work. However, it is not mission impossible. To succeed, one must collaborate with all people and organizations that may implement, support, have a strong feeling about, or be affected by decisions. A smart leader finds ways to share decision-making by consulting and collaborating. True collaboration includes working with parents, community members, organizations, businesses, teachers, unions, administrators, support staff and legislators to enhance academic success for all students. It is futile to play the blame game; excuses do not change

“I am honored to be selected to serve the students and families in East St. Louis,” said Culver at the time. “My entire career has been focused on improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged students. A student’s zip code, family income status, nor race should dictate their educational attainment. I am committed to creating positive changes for the students and staff in District 189. Many of our children come from economically disadvantaged homes, but they are rich in intelligence, ability, and the will to succeed. “ --Arthur Culver, East St. Louis District 189 superintendent

10